a_reader_obsessed's reviews
3109 reviews

Last Chance to Save the World by Beth Revis

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

The end game is here, and though this took a few minor turns I didn’t expect, be reassured that the conclusion was a win! 
 
What this series has always been consistently about is subterfuge, not only with Ada, our dubious spunky heroine, but with straight-laced government official Rian as well. Secrets and hidden agendas hang heavily between these two people whose moral compasses are “slightly” at odds with each other.  Luckily and thankfully, they both ultimately want the same outcome - to restore earth to its former glory. 
 
Last we saw, Ada had forced Rian’s hand and though he knows she’s right, he doesn’t have to like the fact that her way is the only way to save Earth.  Plus, there’s a barely simmering romance between these two, a connection that can’t be denied but a distraction that neither can afford should they want to successfully complete their mission.  
 
Overall, though I would’ve loved to have had more flash and bang, I obviously have been consistently entertained with this trilogy.  It has its fun moments, and I especially liked the push pull between Ada and Rian, the one upmanship (mostly on Ada’s behalf), and their admiration of the other despite knowing that them truly being together isn’t really a possibility.  
 
It’s not the destination but definitely, the journey, and it brings a smile to my face that these two will continue that lively spirit of rivalry out in the universe! 

Thank you to the author and DAW via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly
A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

If you’re a fan of RJB or enjoyed the first installment of this series, The Tainted Cup, then I want to reassure you that this second endeavor in this wholly original world will be well worth your time.

Once again, a dead body starts an investigation revealing some scary truths, resulting in another race against time to stop a mad genius hell bent on taking the entire Empire down.  Thankfully, there’s always the beleaguered Dinios Kol and his superior, the eccentric and unsettling investigator Ana Dolabra, who are at the  ready to do what’s necessary to find the answers needed.
 
As a reminder, this is a world whose very existence and advancements rely on harvesting giant sea monsters (think football stadium size) whose wondrous but volatile, and often deadly, essence fuels a multitude of products that keep said cogs of life turning.  These leviathans also contribute to humanity in the forms of grafts/suffusions/augmentations that can amplify all 5 senses, enable cognitive function to unimaginable heights, or give a person the ability to remember everything they experience to the most minute detail.  In a cruel twist of fate, it's these very creatures, these destructive behemoths that are also the greatest physical threat to the Empire, becoming larger and more aggressive every season they attack the shoreline.

What stands out to me the most here are the copious details that this book contains which enrich the reader experience rather than suffocate or drown it. RJB truly immerses one in the sights, the sounds, and the smells, pointing out the unique races and classes, the civil servants who are distinctly delineated by physical attributes and mannerisms, as well as giving weight and presence not only in where this story takes place but also an anxiety driven urgency to solve the convoluted crimes taking place.   Add to that the tenuous political balance that the Empire must maintain for its safety and survival, he deftly weaves in the cultural stakes, the extensive social hierarchy of the people who fall both within and outside the Empire’s jurisdiction, and all the non-leviathan threats (both internal and external) that constantly push at the seams holding this society together.

Overall, if you want another truly complexly layered, locked door murder mystery with twisty reveals against a fascinating science formed fantasy backdrop, just know that this delivers.  Reassuredly, RJB brings further insight to our hero Din, his struggles with wanting to make a significant difference and feeling stuck in what he views as a thankless job but ever steadfast in what is expected of him. More light is also shed on the cryptic Ana, her uncanny powers of extrapolation and deduction lending an otherworldly aura to her as she faces her smartest foe yet. I continued to enjoy their banter and seeing that their dynamic has deepened since last we saw them, the new revelations lending a more meaningful weight to Din and Ana’s shared convictions towards their loyalty and duty.

So, this is my long winded way of saying that this is far from an idealistic world, the truths and revelations often mirroring our own past and present where there’s a multitude collaborating to take the system down with whatever means necessary.  However, like in real life, I assume that there are a lot of unseen heroes fighting the good fight, those we’ll never know of but should be grateful to for their valiant efforts to keep us safe, or at the very least from further harm.  I feel that this is an ode to them in the form of such great characters as Din and Ana, and I look forward to their next insurmountable challenge and ultimately, their triumphant win.

Thank you to the author and Del Rey of Random House Publishing Group via NegtGalley for an ecopy to review honestly

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I became a dedicated fan when I read Bonam-Young’s Out on a Limb last year, and this quasi sequel featuring BFF Sarah and her devoted hubby Caleb was a no brainer! 
 
This is less a marriage on the rocks and more about processing grief, emerging from the safety net of your partner, and trying to find your identity and self worth, all along forging ahead to tackle life’s challenges together.  Sarah has been in survival mode for the last decade, still deeply affected by her mother’s untimely chronic illness that took her too quickly and too soon. However, she’s trying to make some headway towards having more purpose and is determined to prove she can accomplish that.    
 
Ever by her side is her wonderful husband Caleb, who is the epitome of support, but when does that become a crutch?  Sarah thinks it’s high time she does some deep diving into her psyche instead of just coasting through life. Thus, she enrolls herself and Caleb into a couples boot camp to see if they can figure out individual and relationship goals.  
 
Don’t worry. This isn’t all serious drama, but know that it is a thoughtful, emotional look at Sarah and Caleb’s dynamic, seeing them in flashbacks on how they met and fell in love, and how they are wholly committed to each other despite these uncomfortable issues they’re facing.  
 
Bonam-Young doesn’t fail the reader on the vulnerability and the authentic range of growth these two go through. This author knows how to bring the humor (though a bit less than its predecessor in my opinion), the sexy, and the feels.  She also doesn’t fail in regards to Caleb who embodies the devoted hot nerd very very well. 
 
Overall, an uplifting and valid love story, warts and all, and for really sensitively paying homage to the memory of a beloved one who is no longer around.  These two soulmates just needed some fine tuning on themselves so they could be fully present for each other and just know that Bonam-Young delivers! 
 
Thank you to the author and Dell via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly

Randomize by Andy Weir

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challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? No

2.0

Um, I’m not smart enough to understand half of what was written here which  means I can’t fully appreciate this story.  Shame, really.

Currently available on KU or free for Amazon Prime members
Velveteen vs. the Early Adventures by Seanan McGuire

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


Reminiscent of the broad themes seen in X-Men and The Boys, this is a world whereby genetic mutations, radiation, exotic pathogen, or mad science manifests as the odd power that can be utilized for good or evil.  These unique superhumans are supported and technically employed by Super Patriots Inc., a company who claims to have their best interests, and the safety of the public, in mind. 
 
As this collection of short stories run their course, the reader follows intrepid heroine Velma “Velveteen” Martinez, toy animator extraordinaire, who was sold into the machine as a minor and because she didn’t neatly fit into Super Patriot’s agenda, her world was shattered. So, according to her, things are “fucked up times five billion” as Velveteen soon finds out, you’re either with the Super Patriots or you’re against them.  They turn you against loved ones and loved ones against you, isolate you so you have no choice but to rely and depend upon their generosity and resources. They don’t take no for an answer, and they certainly don’t fight fair.  Though Velveteen simply wants to be left alone and lead a normal life, the Super Patriots won’t let her go in peace, and her allies (and some who are not) have other plans for Velveteen instead. 
 
Obviously, don’t let that cute cover fool you.  Though this has moments of fun and whimsy, this is quite the angsty read and a pointed look at corporate greed, child abandonment and abuse, brainwashing, betrayal, and painful love.  Toss in the multiverse, magic, Santa Claus (yes you read that right), and the real manifestations of the seasons, and you have a well rounded, extensive alternate reality where being superhuman just might get you killed. 
 
Rest assured though, this is buoyed by really fantastic friends who make the bestest  found family, and this book is full of hope with a message about doing what’s profoundly difficult but, deep down in your bones, right, all led by a likable (albeit cantankerous) heroine who stands up not only for herself but for many others as well!  
 
I haven’t read much Seanan McGuire, but this is a sign to do more! 
 
Thank you to the author and Subterranean Press via NetGalley for an e-copy to review honestly 
 
 
 

The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene

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dark medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I’ve said this before.  I’m not an expert in mysteries or thrillers, and I’m quite often taken by surprise when the answers are revealed or there's twisty turns that come out of nowhere.  Regardless, I’m always curious to find out what really happened and worried about the protagonist's fate but here, that was not the case.

Overall, the main issue for me was that there’s a consistently huge ICK factor that coated everything - the victims and their predators, not to mention the incompetence of law enforcement, and the toxic nature of social media and the journalists who are so very eager to discover the truth no matter what.  I was appalled and disgusted by pretty much every person in this story, and perhaps that was the goal of the author.

I’m obviously not in agreement with the majority who have read this which goes to show just how personal a book can resonate.  Admittedly, this was a quick, easy, page turner of a read.  In broad strokes, the bones of this whodunnit were quite bold but again, I came away from this not feeling good about any aspect of this story - the execution, the characters, or the unsatisfying ending.  I don’t know if that’s a testament to the writing or a testament to the writing.

Ultimately, I wish readers of this all the best and hope my dislikes are what make them love it instead!

Thank you to the author and Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Twisted Shadows by Allie Therin

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Simply put, this second installment basically threw the door wide open and took off running!

The first book definitely took its time setting up the premise, the world building, and the foundation of who and what empaths are. In this alternate reality, empaths are inherent pacifists, putting others before themselves, and avoiding conflict at all costs.  However, with such an ability to read and influence emotions, the potential danger of them using this power for nefarious means has resulted in global initiatives to protect the general populace from being affected. 

Expanding upon the greater machinations behind the institutions who are against empaths, this again explored an X-Men type scenario.  How or should a particular subset of the population be monitored and possibly controlled for the benefit and security of the masses, and when does scientific advancement go too far, crossing the line to infringe upon basic human rights in the name of safety?

Rest assured, this isn’t all existential pondering.  Still caught in the middle is empath Reece who is this close to being corrupted, where he’d use his powers for bad selfish intent instead of good, able to “thrall” anyone to do his bidding.  However, always present is Evan, an empath specialist known as the Dead Man, who’s completely immune to any emotional influence and thus, not vulnerable to empath powers.  Where these two cannot and should not work, where their fundamental biological makeup won’t allow them to normally connect on any level, Therin deftly makes their burgeoning forced companionship succeed quite wonderfully.  

Admittedly, I had my doubts as to how this series could, or would, progress as an MM romance, and all I can say is that this far exceeded my expectations.  Not only is Reece and Evan the perfect complete opposites pair, but their banter was spot on, and their not flirty interactions were smile inducing.  As they both grumpily force themselves to work together because neither has a choice (not that they wanted any other options), they investigate a series of empath disappearances, and what they find is not good at all.

Told in mostly alternating POV, this really lent great fascinating insight into both Reece and Evan. Reece continued to drive me just as crazy as he did in the first book due to his complete lack of self preservation, but his antics were mitigated by the lovely sexy Evan who makes quite the compelling mysterious character. It also doesn’t hurt that the supporting cast was equally intriguing as they all eventually converge for the big reveal. 
 
Again, this was a wonderful follow up to Liar City.  The story propelled me along at a clipped pace, ending on a cliffhanger between Reece and Evan who are both pushed into a corner that they don’t see any way out of.  However, I now have faith in Therin to deliver an alternative to both their immutable paths that supposedly can’t be changed despite everything and everyone saying otherwise.  Sadly, it will be a long wait to get the next installment, but I will be here waiting for the drop as soon as it comes!

Thank you to the author and Carina Adores via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review


And the Sky Bled by S. Hati

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Loveable characters? No

3.0

A debut fantasy full of interesting symbolism that serves as a metaphor to our own real life consumption of natural resources.

This is a world dependent on a rare substance called calor.  For many generations it has spurred advancements in technology, machinery, health and wellness, supporting pretty much every infrastructure of society.  However, mining this substance has resulted in severe scarcity resulting in strife and desperation.  

This is also a world that is divided between the haves and have nots.  Here, the country Gehanna has ruthlessly taken by force other provinces, acquiring their stores of calor under the guise of regulating allocation, but in reality, there's very little left to control.  What remains is a lone city whose sky still sporadically “bleeds” the invaluable calor, who is under close guard and on the brink of insurrection.  At its center are 3 critical players, drawn into a frantic search for a hidden cache that could be the answer to all their problems, each with a deeper desire for forgiveness, revenge, and redemption.

I won’t go into too much more detail so as to not spoil things.  Just know that this is a dark story, complexly tragic with harsh unforgiving truths. Admittedly, I can appreciate the commentary about colonialism, dwindling resources, cutthroat politics, miserable survival, but also not surprisingly in these sorts of stories, the power of hope.  I also readily admit that my ratings are often heavily weighed by the enjoyment factor, and there is very little joy here. That’s on me.  Additionally, this is a slow, so terribly slow, reveal that builds to a painful catharsis for all involved.  One must infer a lot in regards to the world building here, as well as the nuance of what transpired during the oft referenced past event that haunts our protagonists.  Sometimes not fully knowing works for me, greatly spurring reading momentum, and sometimes it doesn’t.

Overall, this story has merit, and I think if one is looking for something different, seeking an unique perspective about the terrible price of overconsumption that can’t be rectified, then this is a great place to start.  It definitely lends an insightful sobering view, but thankfully, leaves one with a promising outlook despite the grim circumstances.

Thank you to the author and Bindery Books via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Snow & Ink, Vol. 1 by Miyuki Unohana

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hopeful mysterious

3.5

An intriguing start about a disgraced heiress who saves a convicted murderer and how they find in each other acceptance, peace, and possibly redemption.

I really liked the theme of this where there’s always two sides to a story and of course, this applies the most to main characters Freya and Neneo.

Toss in an ex-fiance and other family members with possibly dubious intentions, and I look forward to the next installment to find out more!

Thank you to the author and Kodansha Comics via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review 
Inferno's Heir by Tiffany Wang

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Let me preface this first.  I’m all for supporting debut authors and indie presses, and I admire Bindery Books’s interesting platform in doing so. Inferno’s Heir is one of four in their first round of publishing, and I was intrigued by its premise.  

This starts off with beleaguered princess Teia, whose rights are infringed upon by sadist half brother Jura, who will soon take the throne and control every aspect of her life.  To subvert this, she approaches the common folk rebellion who has been mistreated over the years (made far worse with Jura’s influence) and agrees to steal a precious family jewel to prove her loyalty to their cause so she can betray them to win favor with her brother.  Sounds like a wonderful premise for a plot and character driven story with the prospect of action adventure, high risk drama, and the promise of new friendships, budding romance, and a changed-for-the-better Teia, right? Right?

I will say for the most part this delivers on each of these points, but personally for me, the connection of dots was just a bit off. As a warning, Princess Teia is pretty cutthroat.  It’s understandable since she has had no one in her corner for many years, and the hatred her brother directs towards her is immense.  It’s no wonder Teia will do anything for her survival and that unfortunately, shows in the best and worst ways. Also, there’s little we see of the actual rebellion and their leader, focusing on three other characters instead, characters who are just as young, impetuous, and self indulgently idealistic as Teia and one questions, is this the best the rebellion has at their disposal?  Granted, this is YA fiction, so I shouldn’t be surprised that the spotlight is on these underage people, but it just seemed too incongruent for my old brain.

What this has going for it is an interesting world full of conflict and antagonistic countries where I assume will be further expanded upon in the sequel.  The elemental magic too was compelling, and one knows that will feature more heavily as well.  Toss in two heists, an amazingly talented thief who’s for neither side, and a hint of chaste romance, and this will probably appeal very nicely to the overall masses who enjoy a YA magical dystopic fantasy.
  
However, I wanted more emotional stakes, more maturity, and more personal growth for Teia.  Surely, this will be forthcoming in the next book as this technically ends on a cliffhanger.  It remains to be seen if the sequel’s reception will pique my interest enough to check it out.

Thank you to the author and Bindery Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review